Why you can trust my hotel recommendations
We finally have a plan for the Uk to get out of lockdown and some indications of what we can do for our travels. I'll spare you the details but roughly, UK staycations will be possible from April 12 and hotels may reopen from May 17. Hopefully we'll soon know whether we can travel abroad this summer, fingers crossed.
This is good news for the travel industry which is on its knees and at least those deadlines can help them plan and prepare. As a result of the announcement last Monday, there was a jump of 200% in bookings! I had booked our flights to France a week before in anticipation of this rush and to secure good rates so I feel pretty pleased with myself ;-)
The other good news is that my parents in France as well as Mr Bigg's dad in the UK have received their vaccination. This is a huge relief and I can't wait for the possibility to embrace them in a few months.
Me and Mr Bigg should be next on the list as the UK is progressing so fast with vaccination and we are in group 9 (over 50). All of this is starting to stack the cards in our favour for our summer holidays of dream, watch this space!
I hope vaccination is also progressing at pace in your country and that you can start planning some lovely escapes. A few ideas in this newsletter as always.
ON THE BLOG
Casa Morelli in Tuscany
A beautiful rental house overlooking the hills of Tuscany. READ MORE
VIDEO: 6 reasons why you can trust me for hotel reviews
Extra finds
(hotels with or without pool not on the blog)
Lemelerberg Lodge, Netherlands
A true escape from everything place. The lodge is in the area of Overijssel and has a simple, natural and cozy interior. It’s also off grid and heated by a stove and solar panels. You have to go to the camping nearby to shower but on the plus side, you are really in the middle of nature. From 360 euros for 3 nights.
A beautiful early 20th century villa transformed into a boutique hotel with pool on the slopes of Mount Ulia in San Sebastian, Spain. You get great views and you are still not far from the center 5 minutes by public transport. The boutique hotel offers seven different rooms and suites. some of the rooms have a bathtub, a japanese bath, or a terrace. San Sebastian of course is known for its many gastronomic restaurants. From 149 euros.
A Night in the back shop - Maison Empereur
This famous old hardware store in Marseille, France, now offers the experience of staying above the shop, in a apartment. There is a double bedroom and a living room and a kitchenette. Email them directly for the price.
This 18th century town house in the center of La Ciotat, in the south of France, has been completely renovated, taking care to preserve the elements which make the charm of its time. Some of the 4 bedrooms overlook rue Gueymard (pedestrian street) in the center, and others are on the patio side (at the foot of the Acacia). One bedroom can accommodate up to 4 people (mezzanine).Each room is a store, so it is possible to purchase all items. From 100 Euros.
Just 1 hour from Lisbon, Alma da Comporta offers typical houses to rent located close to the beaches. The architecture of the houses follows the codes of the fishermen’s huts of the region and the swimming pools overlook the rice fields of Comporta. There are several villas to choose from for 4 to 10 people and many have a pool. From 690 Euros per night.
2 interior decorators welcome you in their luxury guest suite apartment with à la carte services. It is both a mini boutique event space and an apartment store all in one. The apartment is located in an art deco building and has an artistic vibe. Their style is a pastel soft universe with stucco walls, Hungarian point parquet, terrazzo floors, and lots of round objects. From 200 Euros.
The Murlo Estate is one of the most exclusive private country estates in Italy, owned by the same family for generations. You can stay in a room in the main house with a 18m pool, rent one of the apartments or for ultimate luxury, choose one of the seven independent villas, all beautifully restored with landscaped gardens and infinity pools overlooking breathtaking countryside. Deluxe rooms are from 120 Euros.
Safe and beautiful travels,
Stéphanie